Carlos César praised the decision of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to organise the Lopes da Silva Tournament in the Azores, an event that will gather the under-14 teams from the 22 football associations across the country.

Speaking at the end of an audience granted to the President of FPF, Fernando Gomes, on Friday morning, considered that the support to the organisation of this sports event may be considered as "will take the exam may be regarded as "incidental when compared to the importance and symbolism of the decision taken." The meeting was also attended by the Vice-President of FPF, Rui Manhoso, the Director for the National Training Team, Pedro "Pauleta" and the President of the Ponta Delgada Football Association, Auditon Moniz.

Nevertheless, Carlos César reminded that the competition will bring together five hundred football players to the Azores as well as a large number of people. "This is obviously an opportunity to boost the local market that might have a significant economic impact."

In addition to stimulating Azorean young athletes, the government official stressed that the tournament can be economically advantageous, "which clearly shows that the quality of investment is what really matters and not the sector where it will be made."

The President of the Government mentioned the possibility of hosting the games of the national team in the Azores. However, had the Azorean Government made a thorough investment in the renewal of S. Miguel Stadium, the Azores would already have the capacity to host such games with all the positives consequences for their promotion and economy.

"This means that when one makes an investment in a football stadium, it is neither an unproductive investment nor a waste of resources in a time of crisis," said the government official.
Therefore, the President of the Government defended that the investment in sport should be continued in order to meet the quality of the infrastructures that will host events such as the Lopes da Silva Tournament, being also a good opportunity for the external projection of the Azores.

The Lopes da Silva Tournament, organised by the Ponta Delgada Football Association and the Portuguese Football Association will take place for the time outside Mainland Portugal from June 23 to 30. The President of the national football association also took the opportunity to thank the support granted by the Regional Government.